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‘Una cerveza por favor’ is my usual order when I am in a Spanish bar. But the key question is, what ‘cerveza’ do you order when enjoying some delightful tapas? This article pushes the sangria to one side and sets out the best beer for tapas, whether eating some creamy patatas bravas or chowing down on some Jamón ibérico. Also, explore the best beers in Spain to truly dine (and drink) like a Spanish legend.
Best Beer Styles for Tapas
Tapas are those delicious Spanish bites that deserve an equally tasty beer to go with them. The best beer for tapas is usually light and crisp, like Pilsners or Wheat beers, which perfectly complement the robust flavours of Spanish dishes.
While the pairing depends on the type of tapas you’re having, these beers tend to make the flavours even richer, taking your dining experience up a notch. Come with us as we explore Spain, discovering the fantastic combination of beers and tapas to perfect your Spanish culinary adventure.
Light Lagers
Perfect for: Seafood Tapas (Calamari, Gambas al Ajillo, Boquerones)
Light lagers are crisp, clean, and refreshing, making them a top choice when feasting seafood tapas. These beers have a subtle malt profile and low bitterness, which won’t overpower the delicate flavours of dishes like fried calamari or garlicky shrimp (gambas al ajillo). Their carbonation cuts through any oil or fat, leaving your palate refreshed and raring to go.
Pro Tip: Try a Spanish lager like Estrella Damm or Mahou Clásica for an authentic pairing experience.
Pale Ales
Perfect for: Croquettes, Grilled Vegetables, Chorizo
Pale ales are a versatile option with a balanced malt backbone and just enough hops to complement heartier tapas without overwhelming them. Their light to moderate bitterness pairs beautifully with fried croquettes or grilled vegetables like pimientos de padrón. The slight sweetness of pale ales also helps mellow out the smoky, spicy chorizo kick.
Pro Tip: For an extra punch, pair with a local Spanish pale ale, such as Alhambra Pale Ale, for a seamless connection between drink and dish.
Wheat Beers
Perfect for: Patatas Bravas, Fried Tapas, Cheese-based Tapas
Wheat beers, with their smooth, slightly creamy texture and citrusy notes, are a knockout with fried tapas like patatas bravas or cheese-based tapas like manchego. Their natural sweetness and fruity flavours can tone down the heat of spicy brava sauce while cutting through the richness of fried potatoes or gooey cheeses.
Pro Tip: Look for a Belgian-style witbier or a classic German hefeweizen for that perfect blend of spice and sweetness.
Amber Ales
Perfect for: Meat-Based Tapas (Jamón Ibérico, Albondigas, Morcilla)
Amber ales bring a richer malt character to the table, with caramel and toffee notes that match robust, meaty tapas. Whether you’re munching on slices of salty jamón ibérico or digging into a plate of albondigas (Spanish meatballs), the malt-forward profile of amber ales adds complexity. Their smooth, slightly roasted finish also works wonders with morcilla (Spanish blood sausage).
Pro Tip: Pair with an Alhambra Reserva 1925 for a satisfying combination of malt and earthy meat flavours.
IPAs
Perfect for: Spicier Tapas (Spicy Chorizo, Pimientos de Padrón)
IPA’s hop flavours and higher bitterness can stand up to spicier tapas like spicy chorizo or padrón peppers. The bitterness of the IPA balances the fiery spices, while the citrusy and piney notes add a refreshing contrast. However, you’ll want to avoid pairing IPAs with delicate dishes, as they can easily overwhelm subtler flavours.
Pro Tip: Stick with a lighter IPA to avoid overpowering the dish, such as a session IPA with a lower alcohol content.
Dark Beers and Stouts
Perfect for: Rich, Savory Tapas (Rabo de Toro, Braised Pork, Mushrooms)
A dark beer or stout can be an ideal partner if you’re indulging in richer, heartier tapas like rabo de toro (oxtail stew) or braised pork. These beers are full of roasted, chocolate, and coffee-like flavours that pair well with savoury dishes. Plus, they add a touch of sweetness that can help balance the intensity of the dishes.
Pro Tip: Go for a stout or porter with a creamy finish to enhance the mouthfeel and elevate the dish’s richness.
From Barcelona to Seville: Discover Spain’s Finest Beers
In Madrid, people joke that no meal is complete without a cold beer, just like no day is complete without sunshine. So, what kind of beer do Spaniards drink? The answer is simple: ‘Cerveza‘, the local term for beer, is usually a light, refreshing lager. Brands like Mahou, Estrella Damm, and Madri are not only famous but also household names shared among friends at bustling street cafes. Here’s a list of some of my favourites.
- Estrella Damm 5.4% (Damm Brewery): A flagship lager from Barcelona, Estrella Damm is bright and refreshing with a balanced sweetness and a light hoppy bitterness.
- Alhambra Reserva 1925 6.4% (Grupo Cervezas Alhambra): This premium lager from Granada is known for its rich, full flavour and deep amber colour. It offers a smooth taste with hints of caramel and a robust malty presence.
- San Miguel Especial 5.4% (Mahou-San Miguel Group): A well-known lager that embodies a crisp and refreshing taste with a balanced composition of hops and malt.
- Mahou Cinco Estrellas 5.5% (Mahou-San Miguel Group): A smooth pilsner-style lager that is both refreshing and well-rounded. It is bright golden with a balanced flavour profile of sweet malts and subtle hop bitterness.
- Cruzcampo Gran Reserva 6.4% (Heineken España): A strong lager from Seville, noted for its rich and intense flavour profile. It combines a notable malty sweetness with a slight hint of bitterness.
- Ambar Especial 5.2% (La Zaragozana Brewery): Brewed in Zaragoza, this lager stands out with its golden colour and balanced taste profile, featuring a mix of malts and hops that create a slightly fruity and refreshingly bitter experience.
Regional Beer Preferences in Spain
The regional beer preferences in Spain are quite distinct and align with each area’s unique cultural and culinary attributes.
Northern Spain
There is a strong preference for local beers in the north, particularly in regions like Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country. Cider is also extremely popular in these areas. The Basque Country is known for its craft beer scene, with many small breweries producing unique artisanal beers. Beers like Estrella Galicia are favoured in Galicia and are often enjoyed alongside seafood and tapas.
Central Spain
In central Spain, including Madrid, lighter lagers dominate the beer scene. Mahou and Cruzcampo are popular choices. Madrid also has a growing craft beer movement, with local brewpubs and microbreweries gaining popularity.
Catalonia
In Catalonia, there’s a strong preference for beers brewed within the region. Estrella Damm, a beer brewed in Barcelona, is particularly popular. Catalonia also has a vibrant craft beer scene, with many locals preferring artisanal and experimental beers.
Southern Spain
In Andalusia and other southern regions, very cold, light beers are consumed due to the warm climate. Cruzcampo, brewed in Seville, is particularly popular here. There is also a growing interest in craft beers and ales, which are beginning to make their mark alongside traditional lagers.
Canary and Balearic Islands
On the islands, there is a mix of local and international beer preferences due to the significant influence of tourism. Local brands like Dorada in the Canary Islands and Estrella Damm in the Balearic Islands are preferred by locals, while international tourists often seek out brands they recognize from home.
Summary
The best beers for tapas vary depending on the dish. Light lagers like Estrella Damm pair well with seafood tapas, while pale ales complement heartier options like croquettes and chorizo. Wheat beers are ideal for fried dishes and cheese-based tapas, and amber ales enhance meaty tapas like jamón ibérico. IPAs match spicier dishes, and dark beers or stouts suit rich, savoury tapas. In Spain, regional preferences range from light lagers in central Spain to craft beers in Catalonia. Each beer style brings out the best in different tapas, enhancing the overall dining experience.
FAQs
What is the most popular Spanish beer?
The most popular Spanish beer is often considered to be Mahou. Established in Madrid in 1890, Mahou has a strong presence in the Spanish market and is a staple in many bars and households across the country. Its flagship beer, Mahou Cinco Estrellas, is particularly well-loved for its balanced flavor and crisp finish, making it a favorite choice among locals and tourists alike.
Are there any non-alcoholic beer options that work with tapas?
Yes, non-alcoholic beers have come a long way in terms of flavour and quality, and they can pair just as well with tapas! Look for a non-alcoholic lager or pale ale for versatility. Brands like Estrella Damm 0.0 and Heineken 0.0 offer crisp, refreshing options.
Which Spanish beer should I try if I’m new to the tapas scene?
If you’re new to tapas and beer pairings, start with something versatile like Estrella Damm or Mahou Clásica. Both of these are light lagers that pair well with a wide variety of tapas, from seafood to fried dishes to grilled vegetables.
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